What is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder that affects the nervous system. This brain disorder causes people to suffer persistent and repeated seizures called ‘fits‘. Usually seizures are caused when there is an abnormal gush of electrical activities in the brain. This electrical activity creates a sequence of disarray in the messaging systems among the brain cells which stalls or halts the person’s brain.

Epilepsy seizures tend to occur when a bunch of nerve cells or neurons in the brain try to send wrong signals. People who suffer with seizures experience abnormal behaviour and sensations. Due to these symptoms, they also lose consciousness when thumped with violent muscle spasms. In reality, there are various kinds of epileptic seizures, but the symptoms also vary among people. Some people affected by epilepsy just blankly gaze for a few seconds, while others simply tic their arms and legs continuously. Yet it doesn’t mean that a solitary seizure is epilepsy. Even though you may go through mild epilepsy, it is imperative to get treated since it can attack a patient bound in activities like swimming or driving. Usually treatment for epilepsy depends on medications or surgery. Conversely even complimentary therapies like homeopathy and herbal remedies do promote well being, and they also help prevent epilepsy.

Here are some of the herbal remedies that can help in controlling the intensity of epilepsy.

False pepper Known to be a small yellow green flower, false pepper is a creeping vine found in most parts of India. Bark, leaves and fruit of the plant are being used to treat various kinds of ailments. These herbs have a desirable effect for the treatment of a range of disorders like epilepsy, rheumatism, fever, abdominal problems, skin diseases etc. Embelin, an active ingredient found in this herb has convulsant properties that can bring down the level of seizure in patients.

BO tree It is also referred to as Bodhi tree. Bodhi tree is Ficus religiosa or fig tree that is fondly called as Peepal or Pippa in India. The BO tree is an effective natural remedy used for different types of disorders like asthma, diabetes, diarrhoea, epilepsy, gastric problems, inflammatory disorders, infectious and sexual disorder. Mainly Ficus religiosa is being used to lessen seizure in epilepsy.

Violent Tree The small and pungent scented Violent tree’s health properties exist on the roots which are readily used for medical conditions ranging from prevention of seizures to mental and physical disorders. The primary benefit of this plant is, its use in the treatment of psychological and physical disorders such as spirit possession, headache, inflammation, anxiety, pain and epilepsy.

Valerian Valerian is better known to be a sedative herb that is widely used for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. The valerian root has a long history of health benefits and it helps to achieve sound sleep. It is used as a herbal remedy by herbalists for the treatment of seizures since it possesses anti-convulsant properties.

Bupleurum Known as “chai hu” in Chinese medicine, Bupleurum is popularly found in China. Bupleurum is used as an active ingredient in Chinese herbal medicine shosaiko-to and saiko-keishi-to, which is used to treat epilepsy and chronic hepatitis.

Kava Kava is also known as Piper methysticum. The root of Kava has active components called “kavalactones” that has a range of medicinal uses. This medicinal South Pacific plant is a natural alternative used for the treatment of chronic anxiety. Kava can be consumed only after consulting with the medical practitioner as it causes liver failure for some people. Also referred to as Piper methysticum, Kava is a plant that is predominately used as a sedative for seizure disorders.

Passionflower Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has all the sedative properties to treat and prevent seizures. This plant is known to be a potent herbal remedy since it helps to relieve muscle tensions and emotional turmoil. This herb has been used for anxiety, insomnia, hysteria, asthma, restlessness, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, pain relief and epilepsy.

Magnesium Magnesium is known to be an essential component for the recovery of epilepsy. However it is medically found that magnesium deficiency can develop and cause epileptic seizures or fits in some individuals. One of the herbal reemdies to reduce magnesium deficiency is, consume almonds cashews and spinach.

Skullcap It is a traditional medicinal herb which is used as a herbal remedy to treat epilepsy. Skullcap has high flavonoids antioxidant that is used as a supplement to reduce anxiety and nervous tension. It is also called Scutellaria lateriflora, Skullcap has a long history of herbal medication that is utilised to treat seizures, ease stress, spasms and induce sleep.

Bacopa Known as Bacopa monnieri or Brahmi, Bacopa is a herb that helps to restore nerves and brain cells and develops mental ability. Famous to have natural antioxidant properties, Bacopa is also an ayurvedic medicine used for the treatment of epilepsy, bronchitis and asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastric ulcer.